Pune: Dr. Ajay Taware, the former head of the forensic department at Sassoon Hospital has filed a plea for exemption in the case of evidence tampering related to a Kalyaninagar car accident that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The case revolves around an underage driver, who was allegedly intoxicated while driving a luxury car after consuming alcohol at a pub. His blood sample was reportedly swapped to destroy evidence.
The court will decide on Dr. Ajay Taware’s plea before proceeding with framing charges against the accused. A special public prosecutor has urged swift action against 10 individuals involved in the alleged blood sample manipulation.
Prosecution Pushes for Fast-Tracked Trial
Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray has petitioned the Special Judge’s court, emphasizing the need for an immediate hearing and a time-bound trial. He has submitted a detailed report outlining the possible charges against the accused and stressed the importance of swift legal proceedings.
Who Are the Accused?
The case involves 10 individuals, including medical professionals, hospital staff, and those allegedly involved in swapping the minor’s blood sample:
Vishal Surendrakumar Agarwal (Father) – A construction businessman.
Shivani Vishal Agarwal (Mother).
Dr. Ajay Taware – Head of the Forensic Department, Sassoon Hospital.
Dr. Shrihari Halanor – Chief Medical Officer, Emergency Department.
Atul Ghatkambale – Hospital Attendant.
Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad – Allegedly involved in financial transactions to facilitate blood sample tampering.
Aditya Avinash Sood (52) and Ashish Satish Mittal (37) – Accused of providing their own blood samples in place of the minor's.
Arunkumar Devnath Singh – Allegedly instructed Mittal to provide a false blood sample.
Dr. Ajay Taware has sought exemption from the case, and the court is yet to issue an order. Meanwhile, Ashish Mittal and Arunkumar Singh have applied for bail in the Sessions Court, while Shivani Agarwal, Aditya Sood, Ashpak Makandar, Amar Gaikwad, and Dr. Shrihari Halanor have moved to the High Court for bail, which is still pending.
Public Prosecutor Hiray has been pressing for fast-tracked proceedings, having filed similar petitions in October, November, and January. The prosecution is also awaiting additional investigative documents and reports, which will be submitted to the court once received.
Shishir Hiray, Special Public Prosecutor, stated, "This is a complex case that has undergone a detailed investigation. Once the court rules on Dr. Taware’s plea, charges will be formally framed. We aim to conclude the trial within 60 working days after the charges are set."
